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Physics requirements Specific requirements for the Major in Physics include successful completion of two semesters of calculus-based introductory physics:
Additionally, students will need to take at least seven courses at the 300 level or above (with the exception of Physics 303, 304, 341, 342, 441, 442, 499, 500). Specifically required courses include:
In addition, one more upper level laboratory course is required. Students may select one of the following upper level labs: Optics & Wave Physics Lab (Physics 316), Electronics Lab (Physics 321), Biophysics Lab (Physics 360), or Advanced Lab (Physics 451, 452). The remaining courses can be selected from the other courses offered by the Department including some at the 500 level. The package of courses selected can be quite different for a student interested in applications of physics and a student preparing for a career, including a Ph.D. in theoretical physics. Several examples of typical programs with different emphasis are given below. Programs can be tailored to individual needs and interests and should be chosen in consultation with your major advisor. Grades in the 300 level courses or above must be C- or better. Science-Breadth Requirement Because the physical sciences are inherently interdisciplinary, the Physics faculty believe that an undergraduate education in Physics should be broader than the traditional boundaries of Physics. The science-breadth requirement consists of courses in other science departments which complement the Physics curriculum and offer insight to the truly interdisciplinary nature of science. Students should select 3 courses from the following list to satisfy the science-breadth requirement. One of the courses must be Chem 111,112, 401 or 402.
To complete a major in Physics, students will also need to take Differential Equations (Math 217) and Calculus III (Math 233). Other recommended mathematics courses are discussed on page 20 in the handbook. |
Requirements for the Major in Physics